M&S and Next have decided to keep their stores closed on Boxing Day to prioritize employee well-being and family time. This decision is part of a broader trend among retailers opting for closures during the holidays.
- M&S, a renowned clothing and food retailer, will shutter its outlets, support centers, and distribution centers on December 26, reopening for sales on December 27.
- Next, a major player in the fashion industry, joins M&S in closing stores on Boxing Day, continuing the momentum started by other retailers like John Lewis and Waitrose.
- In recent months, other businesses, urged by trade unions, have also taken similar steps to close during the festive season, promoting a better work-life balance.
- This move is a significant indicator of shifting priorities within the retail sector towards employee welfare and could influence future holiday trading norms.
M&S and Next have decided to close their stores on Boxing Day, allowing employees more time with their families. Though many retailers open on December 26 to capture Boxing Day sales, these two retail giants are bucking the trend, citing family time as their main reason. M&S, known for clothing and food, explicitly states that their stores, support centers, and distribution networks will be non-operational on this day but will reopen on December 27 for seasonal sales.
Next’s decision aligns with M&S’s strategy, reflecting a growing sentiment in the retail space. Other retailers like John Lewis and Waitrose have also announced similar plans. John Lewis will keep most of its locations shut, except for a few within shopping centers at Trafford and Stratford, while Waitrose will close the majority of its outlets except those linked to petrol stations over this period.
The retail sector is witnessing a shift towards employee-centric policies, supported by trade union Usdaw. Usdaw has been vocal in its request for more retailers to give staff a break on Boxing Day, influencing brands like Poundland to also join the initiative. This movement underscores a growing acknowledgment of the importance of work-life balance, even during peak shopping times.
This recent wave of closures indicates a reevaluation of traditional holiday trading practices. Retailers are increasingly considering the value of rest and family time for their workforce, reshaping how businesses operate during the festive season. The closure decisions by M&S and Next might set a precedent for other retailers to follow.
This trend in retail is likely to alter consumer expectations and how holiday sales are approached in the future. Shoppers may need to adjust their purchasing habits, anticipating different shopping experiences around the holiday time.
The shift towards prioritizing employee welfare over holiday trading showcases a pivotal change in the retail industry.
